Why does language matter in DH? Multilingual DH as a phenomenon in digital research and infrastructures.

This ACDH lecture by Alíz Horváth examines how language affects the development and use of digital methods and infrastructures in the humanities. While Digital Humanities has expanded rapidly, many languages beyond English, particularly those using non-Latin scripts, remain underrepresented and under-resourced. Drawing on examples from East Asian studies, the lecture discusses challenges across the lifecycle of multilingual DH projects and highlights broader questions of language sensitivity, accessibility and representation. It also presents initiatives aimed at reducing linguistic inequalities and promoting a more inclusive and diverse Digital Humanities landscape.

Learning Outcomes

After watching this video, learners will be able to:

• identify key challenges associated with multilingual and non-Latin-script Digital Humanities research
• explain how linguistic inequalities can affect digital tools, methods and research infrastructures
• discuss approaches to making Digital Humanities more linguistically diverse and inclusive

ACDH Lecture